The median square footage of units in new multi-family homes built in 2012: 1,626

All in multi-family situations, we’ve gone from about 750 square feet to just over 900 (not including garage) to almost 950 (not including basement). While those changes are pretty big changes as percentages (if I were an airline, I’d charge you for the 5.6 percent additional legroom), let me assure you that you can lose 100 square feet in layout or storage pretty quickly. I consider our moves to be instances of same-sizing — both times, we’ve moved more for location than for space or other features. Read more…

Women of the Baby Boom (born between 1946 and 1964) and older generations give more to charity than their male counterparts and are more likely to give, when education, income and other factors affecting giving are equal, a new study from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University finds. The study reveals this gender disparity in giving “even though women, in general, earn less than men, have less money in retirement, and outlive their spouses.”

At all income levels, and regardless of the share of their permanent income that they give, Boomer and older women give 89 percent more to charity than their male counterparts. Among those who are in the top 25 percent of permanent income, Boomer and older women give 156 percent more than similarly situated men.

“Our previous research has found that women tend to be more altruistic than men and that their giving frequently is motivated by the desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives,” according to Debra J. Mesch, Ph.D., director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. “Additionally, women’s strong networks may keep them more connected to both the needs of others and to opportunities to give.”

Judith Rodin, Ph.D., President of the Rockefeller Foundation, stated that in order to change the world, “the single most important thing we can do is unleash the full power of half the people on the planet – women.”

Women are flexing their individual and collective muscles, searching for deeper, sustainable solutions to pressing problems, giving generously, thoughtfully and strategically, and achieving greater outcomes with philanthropy than ever before.

Business is personal. And it impacts nearly every aspect of our daily lives. From keeping a household budget to planning for retirement, to getting (and keeping) a job or just putting up with annoying guy in the next cubicle — we've got a lot on our minds, and Personal Interest wants to help you sort it all out. We're bringing together the Denver Post $mart Editor with variety of experts from the local business community. We've asked them to offer tips, advice and general observations aimed at making the business of everyday life a bit easier to manager. Note: The bloggers were selected for their expertise, but their opinions are solely their own. While many operate their own businesses or consulting firms, we are not endorsing or advocating their businesses.